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It’s Rocket Science!

Westhaven School is taking part in a nationwide live science experiment to contribute to our knowledge of growing plants in space.

We received 100 rocket (Eruca sativa) seeds that have been in microgravity for about six months on board the ISS and 100 seeds that have remained on Earth. The seed packets were colour coded, however we were not told which packet contains which seeds.

Students labelled and sow these seeds last week and they will compare the growth of the two types of seeds through research and observation. Pupils will take 9 measurements over 35 days collecting data as instructed on germination, growth, leaf count and plant height at frequent intervals.

We are very excited to be part of this project and we look forward to start gathering data. After all the data has been collected, the results will be analysed by professional statisticians. Leading scientists from the RHS and European Space Agency will interpret the results and draw possible conclusions. An online report will also be made available on the RHS Campaign for School Gardening website from September 2016.

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1 Comment

Wow Ms Morely.
I am so glad that our pupils are having this wonderful hands on science experiment and experience at the moment. How exciting? Being a part of history in the making. Our pupils are very lucky people. Thank you.